Hailing from the land of 10,000 lakes, 4OnTheFloor is a four-piece rock band born of blues and classic rock. Their latest project Be Mine showcases their talents with a combination of classic covers and smoking originals. I had the opportunity to catch up with 4OnTheFloor recently. We discuss Be Mine’s reception, the effects of COVID, as well as what the future holds!
Sydney: How has the fan reception to the 4OnTheFloor EP Be Mine (By Choosing Me) been since it’s debut this past February
It has been magical. The fans really were receptive to the artwork, the original song, and the fun covers. It’s been great to experience that EP with all the listeners who have expressed their care for the [easy to hum to] melody of “Be Mine” and also their whimsical takes on the Celine songs. There were a lot of people who got turned onto the vast catalog of Gregory Alan Isakov as well in this EP.
Sydney: While COVID has definitely put a snag in plans, are there any plans to tour on the EP when touring is allowed?
There weren’t any snags in touring. There was an entire toxic spill that vacated the entire touring industry. We’ve seen so many bands, promoters, venues, and booking agents pack up in the last 10 months. It is disheartening and also a complete tell of the state of the failure of both state and federal government officials in keeping the service and entertainment industry alive while also keeping the public safe during a STILL raging national pandemic.
We will have new songs and new tours (hopefully) in 2021. And we will be ready to put the Be Mine songs in there as well.
Sydney: Which songs were your favorite to create/recreate on the EP?
“Be Mine” is always a staple. And the locomotive engine we put on “Saint Valentine” allows us to pay respects to the GAI tune as well make it our own.
Sydney: The namesake of your band was because all of your songs are written in 4/4! What was the creative decision behind writing all of your songs in that tempo?
It gave us a fence to build our fortress inside. And every writing session allows us to refine and create new turrets and towers in the confines of the wonderful 4/4 experience in the 4onthefloor.
Sydney: When I listen to 4OnTheFloor, it’s obvious you’ve got a good amount of blues intertwined in rock. What are some of the influences in creating that unique sound?
The blues and early rock’n’roll are integral in where the 4OnTheFloor has been and where we continue to go. Blind Willie Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Son House, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and so many others led to some great fusions with the Doors, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and countless other more modern takes on the blues.
We’re also into the emotional stylings of David Bazan, Sam Roberts, Erik Koskinen, JD McPherson. So many of our contemporaries continue to meld their experience with the dynamics and power of the blues of old.
Sydney: How did The 4OnTheFloor get started?
The original BD2 James and I stomped out songs in a spare bedroom. From then on, it became a powerhouse party that has had the 4OTF share the stage with amazing talent throughout the last decade and beyond.
Sydney: Has the band been working on any new music during quarantine?
Yes! We’ve been working on stuff remotely, as well as bringing in collaborators for 4OTF tunes and other projects that have names and have yet to be named. It is not ideal, yet we have always made the best of the situations we come across and find ourselves in, and this pandemic will not be an exception. It will be a way to make use of the time we have.
Sydney: Will any new 4OnTheFloor music be making an official appearance in the near future?
We will be debuting a tune or two on the NYE stream. (A replay of the New Years Eve stream can be streamed/watched on YouTube).
Sydney: Are there any other types of live stream performances that people should keep an eye out for?
We are hoping to DJ both private patios and brewery patios throughout the late winter and early spring. And as the temperatures get better for our instruments, we’ll be playing outdoors as often as we can in 2021! And maybe by the end of the year, we all will be able to cheers in person and maybe even with a roof and a few walls around us and the tunes we bring.
To check out 4OnTheFloor’s latest EP, Be Mine, it can be found everywhere! If you want to keep up with the band; follow their social media Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!